Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: The Best Ever Sourdough Garlic Bread. I’ve made this delectable bread more times than I can count, and each time it feels like a warm hug in carb form! This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during cozy movie nights or family gatherings.
I still remember the first time I attempted this recipe. I had my closest friends over for a dinner party, and I needed something special to accompany my pasta dish. I whipped this up, and after the first bite, it vanished faster than a kid unwrapping their birthday presents! The combination of crusty sourdough, rich butter, and that heavenly aroma of garlic wafting through the air? It’s pure bliss!
What’s in The Best Ever Sourdough Garlic Bread?
Let’s break down the ingredients, so you know exactly what you’ll be working with:
Sourdough Bread Loaf: The star of the show! A large loaf of sourdough provides a chewy crust and a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery filling. I prefer to get mine from a local bakery, but any good-quality sourdough will do the trick.
Unsalted Butter: Butter makes everything better! For this recipe, you’ll want a whole cup of softened unsalted butter to blend with your garlic and herbs. This way, you control the saltiness.
Garlic: Oh yes, we are not skimping here! I use a whopping 6 cloves of minced garlic for that bold flavor. Feel free to adjust this to your liking (but I don’t know why you would!).
Fresh Parsley: This herb adds a lovely freshness and a pop of color to the garlic butter. Chop it finely for an even distribution throughout.
Salt: Just 1/2 teaspoon brings out and enhances all the flavors in the butter mixture.
Dried Italian Herbs (optional): If you’re feeling fancy, toss in a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
Black Pepper: A touch of black pepper adds a gentle kick, balancing the richness of the butter.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in this optional ingredient. It creates a lovely surprise with every bite!
Marinara Sauce: For dipping! This is yet another optional addition, but trust me, it’s often a crowd-pleaser.
Is The Best Ever Sourdough Garlic Bread Good for You?
Now, while this garlic bread is laden with flavor, it’s definitely more of an indulgence than a health food! Let’s talk about some of the key ingredients and what they bring to the table:
Sourdough Bread: Sourdough is known for being easier to digest than regular bread due to its fermentation process. It also has a lower glycemic index, meaning it can cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels, which is always a win!
Garlic: This powerhouse ingredient isn’t just tasty; it also boasts some impressive health benefits. Garlic may boost your immune system and has been linked to heart health. Plus, it adds fabulous flavor—win-win!
Parsley: This vibrant herb is not just for garnish! Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, providing a nice nutritional boost to your garlic bread.
So, while this dish should certainly be enjoyed in moderation as a treat, it does contain some ingredients that can be beneficial to your health. Just don’t go overboard on the butter!
Ingredients List
– 1 large sourdough bread loaf
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
– Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)
*Servings: 4-6*
How to Make The Best Ever Sourdough Garlic Bread?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, dried Italian herbs (if using), black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy). Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Take your sourdough loaf and make diagonal cuts across the top, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom. You want to create a nice checkerboard pattern for the buttery goodness to seep into.
4. Using a knife or spatula, generously spread the garlic butter mixture into each cut. Don’t forget to coat the top and sides of the loaf as well!
5. Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet.
6. Bake in that preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the butter has melted all into the crevices.
7. For a delightful crispy top, take off the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
8. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Serve it warm, ideally with marinara sauce on the side to dip into. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
Get Creative with Your Garlic Bread
Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
– Use different herbs! Fresh basil or chives can be lovely alternatives to parsley.
– Mix in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy version. Just sprinkle it on top before wrapping it in foil.
– If you love a bit of a kick, think about adding in some chopped jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
This garlic bread recipe is an absolute winner that I promise you’ll love! Bake it, indulge in its buttery goodness, and don’t forget to come back and tell me how it turned out! I can’t wait to hear about your cheesy, garlicky adventures in the kitchen!
